In order to effectively address the skills mismatch in the Greek labour market, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation has launched a new strategic partnership with the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) supporting the “Skills4Jobs” initiative, which includes a series of integrated actions for the development of skills in a variety of fields aimed at recent University or Vocational Education graduates who wish to retrain in the most in-demand technical skills. By providing lifelong vocational training and empowerment, this initiative aims to equip young people with useful skills in order to effectively adapt to the ever-changing demands of the modern labour market. These programmes offer participants personalised theoretical and practical training, workshops for the development of technical and soft skills, counselling, field visits and networking opportunities, internships and employment in modern member enterprises of SEV or other Associations in its Network.

In this framework, the Foundation supported in 2023 the following initiatives:

• The “Skills4Jobs for Export Experts” programme by the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), which aims to create competent executives in the field of Exports, with expertise in modern industry, who will contribute significantly to strengthening the extroversion and competitiveness of Greek companies in international markets. The Programme was aimed at University or Vocational graduates and covered the full range of a business’s export activities that a candidate Export Expert is required to know in order to become professionally established in the field.
• The “Skills4Jobs for Electrical Automation Technicians in Thessaly” programme by the Association of Industries in Thessaly and Central Greece (STHEV) and the “Skills4Jobs for Electrical Automation Technicians in Central Greece” programme by the Association of Industries of Central Greece (SVSE). The aforementioned programmes were implemented in cooperation with SEV and the Institute of Industrial and Business Education & Training (IVEPE-SEV), aiming to offer young graduates of Vocational Education or Higher Technological Education free holistic training and employment opportunities in the field of Electrical Automation, in order to familiarise themselves with the operation of today’s automated industries.

• 37 young people participated in total in the “Skills4Jobs for Export Experts” programme.
• 15 young people participated in the “Skills4Jobs for Electrical Automation Technicians in Thessaly” programme, while 16 young people participated in the “Skills4Jobs for Electrical Automation Technicians in Central Greece” programme.

“I am an economist with a Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management and Logistics and I live in Larissa. I was not familiar with the world of exports and that is why I applied to the Programme. I gained knowledge on every aspect of a company’s export process, as well as essential soft skills that an export manager should have, and I had the opportunity to develop an Export Strategy Plan. The ‘Skills4Jobs for Export Experts’ programme has exceeded my expectations!”

Dimitra Gkourou

Participant, “Skills4Jobs for Export Experts” programme

“I decided to join the Programme to develop both my technical knowledge and my soft skills. Through the Programme I gained new experiences. I have had the opportunity to see the automation systems of large companies and to work with other participants. Upon completion, I expect to develop my skills and also look forward to being employed by a large enterprise. I would definitely recommend to my friends and acquaintances in the same field to participate in similar programmes.”

Nikolaos Alexandris

Participant, “Skills4Jobs for Electrical Automation Technicians in Central Greece” programme

“The training programme was extremely interesting and provided me with in-depth knowledge in important technical areas and practical skills that are essential in my field. Overall, my experience of the technical training programme has been positive and I believe that I have gained the necessary knowledge that will help me to advance my career in the technical field. My main goal is to be able to use my new knowledge to design and implement technical solutions to the problems we face in our field.”

Evgenia Karamani

Participant, “Skills4Jobs for Electrical Automation Technicians in Thessaly” programme